明天就是今年第一次上學，我應該加倍努力，精益求精。
我現在的課程很難用中文來說。如果我說我是中五學生，人家會以爲我在普通課程。但我也不可以說我是個高一學生，應為我國的高級中學需要三年完成他們的課程。哎呀，真麻煩。。。
Sunday, 17 January 2010
Sunday, 10 January 2010
往前走，無畏無懼
我不應該這樣擔心。我還有兩年的時間。我不應該着急。我現在應該享受我的自由，別浪費這兩年才後悔自己沒有珍惜自己的時間。我的衣服突然全部變成綠色的時候，我不再會有那麽多自由了。我青少年的生活只有這兩年了。
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
一個新年的開始
哈哈。。。給你們了大驚喜了。
我打算用中文來寫我的隨筆了。而且，我會用繁體中文。我這樣做的原因是爲了進步我的語文能力，也是爲了讓我進步自己的寫作能力。對我來說，用英文寫隨筆和用中文寫隨筆是非常不同的。希望這種方法會幫我一個大忙，也會幫讀者了解中文，也學會一些繁體字。
我在這個月的十八號才上課。在這兩個星期中，我希望自己可以多讀聖經，尤其是羅馬書。我相信我可以從中學到很多的。我也應該多彈鋼琴了，第八級考試正在年底。聽説武裝部隊的樂隊開始收入了可以彈鋼琴的人了。（又來了，羅先生又要換職業了。。。）我明晚會有風笛訓練，希望明天可以開始吹真正的風笛了，不只是那個訓練笛管。
我現在沒話好説了。我現在要去體育館了。再見。
我打算用中文來寫我的隨筆了。而且，我會用繁體中文。我這樣做的原因是爲了進步我的語文能力，也是爲了讓我進步自己的寫作能力。對我來說，用英文寫隨筆和用中文寫隨筆是非常不同的。希望這種方法會幫我一個大忙，也會幫讀者了解中文，也學會一些繁體字。
我在這個月的十八號才上課。在這兩個星期中，我希望自己可以多讀聖經，尤其是羅馬書。我相信我可以從中學到很多的。我也應該多彈鋼琴了，第八級考試正在年底。聽説武裝部隊的樂隊開始收入了可以彈鋼琴的人了。（又來了，羅先生又要換職業了。。。）我明晚會有風笛訓練，希望明天可以開始吹真正的風笛了，不只是那個訓練笛管。
我現在沒話好説了。我現在要去體育館了。再見。
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
A post of epic proportions
Let me warn you. This post is going to be huge.
The CLT course was one of the highlights of this month. Obviously, since it took up 14 days of my holiday. I suppose it has changed me in many ways, and has highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. I realised (and so do the instructors) that I have a really good sense of urgency. Basically, I'll snap to the job and get it done in the most efficient manner possible without delay. That sort of thing. But the weakness is that I am in this hyper-alert mode all the time, without rest, so that when I go home after training, I end up extremely tired and depressed. I am blessed, therefore, that God gave me strength to finish the course and get on with my life. Constant reading of the Psalms during the stay-in week was a great comfort.
A lot of the stress from the course did not come from the course activities itself, but rather the waking up in the morning and the travelling from home to HQ and back. It was like leaving a secure area in the morning and departing for the unknown, the unsafe, the uncharted waters.
Clock-watching had a few effects. One was that it increased morale as the days went by, especially in the later part of the course. The other effect was that it made the course seem like eternity on the first few days.
I managed to get through anyway. BMT would be a little easier for me, I suppose, given that this experience has given me an idea of what in-bunk drudgery and personal admin looks and feels like.
And now for the other part of the holiday that made me really happy.
Hong Kong is a really great place. Good food, good weather, good transport and plenty of other things.
I once mentioned to Hui'en that Hong Kong was my favourite holiday destination. I shall now explain why. Hong Kong is the best of two worlds for me. It is a place where my roots and my sense of modernity combine.
I am not a Hong Konger, but I am a Cantonese. It is to my greatest regret that my command of the Cantonese language is frankly quite pathetic. Hong Kong is a place where you will hear Cantonese all the time. It is the language of my forefathers, and it is uplifting to hear it spoken by the masses, unlike my current location, where Putonghua (Huayu) has become the main tongue of most Chinese people. It is a crying shame to realise that thousands of Singapore youth are on the verge of being cut off from their ethnicities forever. I shall be the exception. I shall let no man rob me of my culture and my identity.
On a side note, I think I am acquiring a taste for Joey Yung songs. O_O
I think I'm digressing...
*Back on main topic*
I'm going to miss Hong Kong. Even now, I'm still trying to get used to the fact that you stand on the left side of the escalator on the MRT, when you stand on the right on those of the MTR. I have to get used to the MRT announcements being in English first, and the English signs being above the Hanzi. I'll miss the oh-so-familiar “請勿靠近車門”before the door closes. I'll miss the noisy (and sometimes absurdly long) escalators and traffic lights. I'll miss the feeling of being free, unconstrained by the drudgery of life back home. I suppose holidays are like that. A brief glimpse of the ideal life and then it's back to real life.
The year 2010 is approaching. I really hope that I can survive IB. I've already started reading the textbooks. Watchnight on Thursday and Friday.
I can't think of anything else now.
The CLT course was one of the highlights of this month. Obviously, since it took up 14 days of my holiday. I suppose it has changed me in many ways, and has highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. I realised (and so do the instructors) that I have a really good sense of urgency. Basically, I'll snap to the job and get it done in the most efficient manner possible without delay. That sort of thing. But the weakness is that I am in this hyper-alert mode all the time, without rest, so that when I go home after training, I end up extremely tired and depressed. I am blessed, therefore, that God gave me strength to finish the course and get on with my life. Constant reading of the Psalms during the stay-in week was a great comfort.
A lot of the stress from the course did not come from the course activities itself, but rather the waking up in the morning and the travelling from home to HQ and back. It was like leaving a secure area in the morning and departing for the unknown, the unsafe, the uncharted waters.
Clock-watching had a few effects. One was that it increased morale as the days went by, especially in the later part of the course. The other effect was that it made the course seem like eternity on the first few days.
I managed to get through anyway. BMT would be a little easier for me, I suppose, given that this experience has given me an idea of what in-bunk drudgery and personal admin looks and feels like.
And now for the other part of the holiday that made me really happy.
Hong Kong is a really great place. Good food, good weather, good transport and plenty of other things.
I once mentioned to Hui'en that Hong Kong was my favourite holiday destination. I shall now explain why. Hong Kong is the best of two worlds for me. It is a place where my roots and my sense of modernity combine.
I am not a Hong Konger, but I am a Cantonese. It is to my greatest regret that my command of the Cantonese language is frankly quite pathetic. Hong Kong is a place where you will hear Cantonese all the time. It is the language of my forefathers, and it is uplifting to hear it spoken by the masses, unlike my current location, where Putonghua (Huayu) has become the main tongue of most Chinese people. It is a crying shame to realise that thousands of Singapore youth are on the verge of being cut off from their ethnicities forever. I shall be the exception. I shall let no man rob me of my culture and my identity.
On a side note, I think I am acquiring a taste for Joey Yung songs. O_O
I think I'm digressing...
*Back on main topic*
I'm going to miss Hong Kong. Even now, I'm still trying to get used to the fact that you stand on the left side of the escalator on the MRT, when you stand on the right on those of the MTR. I have to get used to the MRT announcements being in English first, and the English signs being above the Hanzi. I'll miss the oh-so-familiar “請勿靠近車門”before the door closes. I'll miss the noisy (and sometimes absurdly long) escalators and traffic lights. I'll miss the feeling of being free, unconstrained by the drudgery of life back home. I suppose holidays are like that. A brief glimpse of the ideal life and then it's back to real life.
The year 2010 is approaching. I really hope that I can survive IB. I've already started reading the textbooks. Watchnight on Thursday and Friday.
I can't think of anything else now.
Friday, 11 December 2009
Aid Station
When the AFIs said this course was going to change our lives, they weren't joking. I only have five days more of the course, and yet, the past nine days have taught me so much about myself.
And I also have lost 2kg. That's something to be joyful about. :D
God really has been so good to me. I pray that God will abide with me for the last big push.
I shall be returning to the lines on Sunday night. I hope I will enjoy myself.
And I also have lost 2kg. That's something to be joyful about. :D
God really has been so good to me. I pray that God will abide with me for the last big push.
I shall be returning to the lines on Sunday night. I hope I will enjoy myself.
Monday, 30 November 2009
En Fenrik
I am getting quite excited about the CLT course. I hope it stays that way no matter what it actually turns out to be like. Today, I find out we have to stay-in for nearly a week. This should be interesting. I am praying that I will be an example of God's glory during the course. This is the perfect oppurtunity for me to do so. So God help me. Amen.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Restlessness
My daily routine now consists of PT, pipe practice and reading. I am anxious to get the new set of uniform next week to start working on it. Hopefully it comes with the OCT rank slides.
Pipe practice at PA tomorrow. Quite looking forward to it as well. Nearly finished reading Geoffrey Bennett's Nelson The Commander.
Pipe practice at PA tomorrow. Quite looking forward to it as well. Nearly finished reading Geoffrey Bennett's Nelson The Commander.
Monday, 9 November 2009
Anniversaries
There is something about the anniversaries of historical events that really gets me up and going. Today, for example is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. I’ve got a picture of the fall on my desktop just for today. For me, these events mark key points in human history, points which define our mindsets till this day. The fall of the Berlin Wall, for example, is the enduring symbol of freedom, of unity. In some sense, it echoes the immortal words of the Deutschlandlied – “Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit für das deutsche Vaterland!” It is the powerful imagery of common people tearing down walls of oppression to achieve their freedoms and liberties that really enthralls me. It’s the same for other events. Powerful imagery that shapes the way we think and form opinions. The handover of Hong Kong in 1997 represented the end of an empire that spanned the globe. D-day represented the beginning of the fight to take out Nazi tyranny once and for all. Trafalgar proved that Britannia ruled the waves. All these events have their own particular imagery for their significance.
But one symbol that really moves me is the red poppy of remembrance. This is not the same poppy used for drug production; although that’s the sort of confusion I seem to be getting around this time of the year. Because it grows on disturbed ground, it grew among the trenches of the Great War. The imagery is best described in John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place.” In Singapore, this flower has no cultural significance except for perhaps the connotations of opium production. It explains all the weird looks I get, and it explains the long stories I have to tell people whenever I have to explain its significance. It really bugs me sometimes when Singaporeans have no idea of the suffering soldiers go through in war. Perhaps it is because Singapore experienced war as a civilian population, and the people protecting us were the British. What is taught in our textbooks and is often emphasised is that the British lost. True, but it stops short of the experiences of the Diggers and Highlanders on the ground. The textbooks often praise the Malay Regiment, but they forget all the other regiments present. Imagine fighting thousands of miles from home and the enemy is right at your doorstep. In Hong Kong, the pillboxes had the names of the streets of old London Town on them. They missed home. So we have homesick soldiers fighting a losing battle. After the surrender, they are sent to crowded POW camps, and then some are sent to die working to build a railway for the enemy. This is one of those truly depressing scenarios that have failed to have been brought across.
Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Singapore is part of the Commonwealth. Fine, we had not many local combatants, but that is beside the point. Allow the words of Atatürk, leader of the Turks at Gallipoli to bring across my intended message. Maybe they are slightly out of context since the Turks were the enemy but the words are still applicable anyway - “You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”
Let me say this, that there is no shame in showing our gratitude to those who have fought for our freedom by remembering them. In fact, the ceremony yesterday at Kranji was extremely humbling. I saw, in front of me, a Royal Marine veteran with the South Atlantic Medal (with rosette) across his chest. I then realised he was one of those who fought and yomped to reach Port Stanley. I suddenly felt very, very small.
However, what really had my blood boiling yesterday at Kranji was that some uniformed groups did not remove their headdress during the prayer. Commander Haycock had already asked all uniformed personnel to remove headdress, and then he did so himself. All the foreign colonels and captains solemnly removed their caps. And the cadets and officers of the uniformed groups stood there without a clue as to what was this strange foreign protocol was, that gentlemen should remove their caps when they are praying. Ignorance should not, and should never be an excuse, when it comes to ceremonies bordering on the near-sacred such as these.
When will we ever learn?
But one symbol that really moves me is the red poppy of remembrance. This is not the same poppy used for drug production; although that’s the sort of confusion I seem to be getting around this time of the year. Because it grows on disturbed ground, it grew among the trenches of the Great War. The imagery is best described in John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields” – “In Flanders fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place.” In Singapore, this flower has no cultural significance except for perhaps the connotations of opium production. It explains all the weird looks I get, and it explains the long stories I have to tell people whenever I have to explain its significance. It really bugs me sometimes when Singaporeans have no idea of the suffering soldiers go through in war. Perhaps it is because Singapore experienced war as a civilian population, and the people protecting us were the British. What is taught in our textbooks and is often emphasised is that the British lost. True, but it stops short of the experiences of the Diggers and Highlanders on the ground. The textbooks often praise the Malay Regiment, but they forget all the other regiments present. Imagine fighting thousands of miles from home and the enemy is right at your doorstep. In Hong Kong, the pillboxes had the names of the streets of old London Town on them. They missed home. So we have homesick soldiers fighting a losing battle. After the surrender, they are sent to crowded POW camps, and then some are sent to die working to build a railway for the enemy. This is one of those truly depressing scenarios that have failed to have been brought across.
Remembrance Day commemorates the fallen Commonwealth soldiers. Singapore is part of the Commonwealth. Fine, we had not many local combatants, but that is beside the point. Allow the words of Atatürk, leader of the Turks at Gallipoli to bring across my intended message. Maybe they are slightly out of context since the Turks were the enemy but the words are still applicable anyway - “You, the mothers, who sent their sons from faraway countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”
Let me say this, that there is no shame in showing our gratitude to those who have fought for our freedom by remembering them. In fact, the ceremony yesterday at Kranji was extremely humbling. I saw, in front of me, a Royal Marine veteran with the South Atlantic Medal (with rosette) across his chest. I then realised he was one of those who fought and yomped to reach Port Stanley. I suddenly felt very, very small.
However, what really had my blood boiling yesterday at Kranji was that some uniformed groups did not remove their headdress during the prayer. Commander Haycock had already asked all uniformed personnel to remove headdress, and then he did so himself. All the foreign colonels and captains solemnly removed their caps. And the cadets and officers of the uniformed groups stood there without a clue as to what was this strange foreign protocol was, that gentlemen should remove their caps when they are praying. Ignorance should not, and should never be an excuse, when it comes to ceremonies bordering on the near-sacred such as these.
When will we ever learn?
Thursday, 5 November 2009
1st Post of November.
Next year's Chem is a nightmare. Even the Course Companion's first chapter is so complex. I still haven't worked out how the mass spectrometer works. Need to start mugging now or else, no six points for next year...
On a side note, my 2.4km timing went down to 12:15 from 12:36...Hopefully I can reach 11min by December and 10min by the next NAPFA.
On a side note, my 2.4km timing went down to 12:15 from 12:36...Hopefully I can reach 11min by December and 10min by the next NAPFA.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Music and plenty of other things.
So what's the difference if you listen to music without words rather than listen to popular music?
You may gain in terms of cultural exposure, but you end up failing dismally when bringing up the topic of entertainment with your peers. I mean, it can hurt your social life if you aren't in tune with what's on the radios these days.
But since I don't have a social life anyway, what harm could there be in analysing a few of my favourite pieces... XD
(In no order of merit)
(I'm typing these things as they come to my mind.)
1. Valdresmarsjen
Now, this is not a march in sense that you could actually play this at quick march pace and make it sound nice. All the versions I've listened to are played slowly, and this is a really beautiful piece. The slow tempo and the melody is very fluid, and is harmonised to achieve a sense of serenity and tranquility. Because of this, it's the tune I play on my mp3 player when I need to calm down.
(Please note that I cannot write music essays that well. I've never written one in my whole life, I'm just doing this the same way I would for Lit.)
Arrgh, I'm too lazy to think of another song to analyse...
I think I'll start ranting about something random.
Something like...careers.
Because I need a subject combi, I need to have a future career in mind before I select my HL and SL subjects.
When I suggested taking Chinese B HL, my friends were like "You're crazy...secure your 7 points!" But I really cannot afford to take HL for Sciences or Maths for that matter, given that I'm an arts person. Then, they asked me about my future career.
Everyone asks me about my future career.
I can never tell them what it would be.
I've always contemplated joining the Air Force or the Navy as an officer. See? You're probably thinking something along the following lines:
Oh, what a gullible boy who was taken in by those cheesy MINDEF ads. He's not going to enjoy it. He's been watching too many war movies. Oh, isn't that the guy who MARCHES?
Sometimes, I blame myself for my self-enforced solitude, yet the blame can be attributed to everybody else. (at times)
I'm not sure if it's the same for others wanting to be officers, but I really cannot bring myself to say I want to join the Fleet. Blame it on the average Singaporean's nae-care attitude towards this sort of thing. I mean, NS, for most people I know, is nothing but a chore. What complete dumbarse would want to join that organisation which 'enslaves' male Singaporeans of age 18 for two whole years while everybody else goes on to university?
Here's the rationale for me trying to join the Fleet. Alright, so what's the point of joining the military if it can't broaden your horizons? Look at all the latest overseas deployments! Iraq, Afghanistan, Aden. All the anti-piracy missions and humanitarian missions have required our Fleet. Overseas service is what I'm after. I won't get it in the army because they never have to fight. I want an unconventional career that people can look on and be proud of. Although wars are a shame, it's no shame serving to end it quickly.
I bet after all that, you're still going to call me a bally dumbarse.
You may gain in terms of cultural exposure, but you end up failing dismally when bringing up the topic of entertainment with your peers. I mean, it can hurt your social life if you aren't in tune with what's on the radios these days.
But since I don't have a social life anyway, what harm could there be in analysing a few of my favourite pieces... XD
(In no order of merit)
(I'm typing these things as they come to my mind.)
1. Valdresmarsjen
Now, this is not a march in sense that you could actually play this at quick march pace and make it sound nice. All the versions I've listened to are played slowly, and this is a really beautiful piece. The slow tempo and the melody is very fluid, and is harmonised to achieve a sense of serenity and tranquility. Because of this, it's the tune I play on my mp3 player when I need to calm down.
(Please note that I cannot write music essays that well. I've never written one in my whole life, I'm just doing this the same way I would for Lit.)
Arrgh, I'm too lazy to think of another song to analyse...
I think I'll start ranting about something random.
Something like...careers.
Because I need a subject combi, I need to have a future career in mind before I select my HL and SL subjects.
When I suggested taking Chinese B HL, my friends were like "You're crazy...secure your 7 points!" But I really cannot afford to take HL for Sciences or Maths for that matter, given that I'm an arts person. Then, they asked me about my future career.
Everyone asks me about my future career.
I can never tell them what it would be.
I've always contemplated joining the Air Force or the Navy as an officer. See? You're probably thinking something along the following lines:
Oh, what a gullible boy who was taken in by those cheesy MINDEF ads. He's not going to enjoy it. He's been watching too many war movies. Oh, isn't that the guy who MARCHES?
Sometimes, I blame myself for my self-enforced solitude, yet the blame can be attributed to everybody else. (at times)
I'm not sure if it's the same for others wanting to be officers, but I really cannot bring myself to say I want to join the Fleet. Blame it on the average Singaporean's nae-care attitude towards this sort of thing. I mean, NS, for most people I know, is nothing but a chore. What complete dumbarse would want to join that organisation which 'enslaves' male Singaporeans of age 18 for two whole years while everybody else goes on to university?
Here's the rationale for me trying to join the Fleet. Alright, so what's the point of joining the military if it can't broaden your horizons? Look at all the latest overseas deployments! Iraq, Afghanistan, Aden. All the anti-piracy missions and humanitarian missions have required our Fleet. Overseas service is what I'm after. I won't get it in the army because they never have to fight. I want an unconventional career that people can look on and be proud of. Although wars are a shame, it's no shame serving to end it quickly.
I bet after all that, you're still going to call me a bally dumbarse.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Trettisju
Success. 37 Points. I am home free...its just that I probably cannot go for any Bachelor of Science courses for Uni because I am in no position to take HL Maths or Sciences. Linguistics or Modern Languages sounds like a better idea. English A1 HL. I had better pray and hope this turns out well.
My preferred subject combi would be:
English A1 HL
Chinese B HL
History HL
Physics SL
Maths SL
Chem SL.
Just hope they let me have this combi.
On a side note, on news of my promotion, I immediately got myself the symbols of my newly-earned prestige. The yellow-blue tie will be mine to wear for the next two years.
I really thank God for bringing me past the EOYs, and giving me a better grade this time. I got above 36 points for the first time (I think).
And now for a recap of the past week's events.
Monday: Holiday.
Tuesday: Holiday.
Wednesday: Holiday.
Thursday: School
Friday: School. CLT Interview. Camp.
Saturday: Camp.
The Interview was fun. The camp was memorable. For the first time, I slept in the school corridor. Nice breeze. :) I think this time, I have really bonded with my Sec 2 juniors well. It's good PR considering that me and my non-comm. officers have been so harsh on them, its good to have some nice moments. I also think that I will be really busy next year. Things might get messy.
One of the hymns that I have found myself coming back to constantly over the past month or so has been that wonderful Norwegian hymn - Eg veit i himmerik ei borg.
Eg veit i himmerik ei borg,
ho skin som soli klåre,
der er kje synder eller sorg,
der er kje gråt og tåre.
Der inne bur Guds eigen Son
i herlegdom og æra,
han er mi trøyst og trygge von,
hjå honom eg skal vera.
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
It's the hymn you can hear on this blog after the Tappenstrek drum rolls and bugle call at the start of the song.
What really struck me was the concept of the weary traveller (fattig ferdamann) on his way to heaven. We are weary, and thus we need God to protect us and make our ways straight as we journey through life. The other concept is that of the Fatherland (fedreland). Where God is, that is our Fatherland. As citizens of the Fatherland, we ought to behave in a manner befitting a citizen of the Fatherland. What's more, we are not just citizens of the Fatherland, we are Princes of the Fatherland! Technically, I should have a pre-nominal 'HRH' as befitting my princely status! But titles mean nothing if we as princes do not behave in a manner befitting of one, especially a HRH in the Kingdom of God.
As heirs to the Kingdom, have we, the 'Royal Highnesses' lived our lives worthy of our title?
Just some food for thought...
My preferred subject combi would be:
English A1 HL
Chinese B HL
History HL
Physics SL
Maths SL
Chem SL.
Just hope they let me have this combi.
On a side note, on news of my promotion, I immediately got myself the symbols of my newly-earned prestige. The yellow-blue tie will be mine to wear for the next two years.
I really thank God for bringing me past the EOYs, and giving me a better grade this time. I got above 36 points for the first time (I think).
And now for a recap of the past week's events.
Monday: Holiday.
Tuesday: Holiday.
Wednesday: Holiday.
Thursday: School
Friday: School. CLT Interview. Camp.
Saturday: Camp.
The Interview was fun. The camp was memorable. For the first time, I slept in the school corridor. Nice breeze. :) I think this time, I have really bonded with my Sec 2 juniors well. It's good PR considering that me and my non-comm. officers have been so harsh on them, its good to have some nice moments. I also think that I will be really busy next year. Things might get messy.
One of the hymns that I have found myself coming back to constantly over the past month or so has been that wonderful Norwegian hymn - Eg veit i himmerik ei borg.
Eg veit i himmerik ei borg,
ho skin som soli klåre,
der er kje synder eller sorg,
der er kje gråt og tåre.
Der inne bur Guds eigen Son
i herlegdom og æra,
han er mi trøyst og trygge von,
hjå honom eg skal vera.
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
It's the hymn you can hear on this blog after the Tappenstrek drum rolls and bugle call at the start of the song.
What really struck me was the concept of the weary traveller (fattig ferdamann) on his way to heaven. We are weary, and thus we need God to protect us and make our ways straight as we journey through life. The other concept is that of the Fatherland (fedreland). Where God is, that is our Fatherland. As citizens of the Fatherland, we ought to behave in a manner befitting a citizen of the Fatherland. What's more, we are not just citizens of the Fatherland, we are Princes of the Fatherland! Technically, I should have a pre-nominal 'HRH' as befitting my princely status! But titles mean nothing if we as princes do not behave in a manner befitting of one, especially a HRH in the Kingdom of God.
As heirs to the Kingdom, have we, the 'Royal Highnesses' lived our lives worthy of our title?
Just some food for thought...
Monday, 19 October 2009
Beginning of a fun week...
Yes, today was fun. Somewhat.
Learned the notes for Gammel Jegermarsj and Fehrbelliner Reitermarsch. But they are absolutely hard to play, especially Gammel Jegermarsj. An E-C-E-G over 4 semiquavers is no joke when you're trying to play the whole thing at 120bpm. Forget about marching and playing simultaneously, this is a killer. :X My lips are so tired now I can't even play the General Salute properly at a slow pace. Need to rest for a while but by the time they recover, it will probably be late at night and I might end up giving the whole block a Reveille every 5 minutes. Not good for PR.
Haizzz...
Learned the notes for Gammel Jegermarsj and Fehrbelliner Reitermarsch. But they are absolutely hard to play, especially Gammel Jegermarsj. An E-C-E-G over 4 semiquavers is no joke when you're trying to play the whole thing at 120bpm. Forget about marching and playing simultaneously, this is a killer. :X My lips are so tired now I can't even play the General Salute properly at a slow pace. Need to rest for a while but by the time they recover, it will probably be late at night and I might end up giving the whole block a Reveille every 5 minutes. Not good for PR.
Haizzz...
Sunday, 18 October 2009
Too much free time.
Now that the exams are over, I've volunteered to be the Duty Bugler at the annual camp for the recruit platoon back in my UG. You know, maybe it isn't that bad. I would have missed the men too much if I just left like that.
But the stuff I have to get ready by Friday is just mind-boggling. I have to, in 5 days, become a competent bugler able to play:
Reveille (Long)
Rouse
Sunset
Lights Out
Markers
Fall In
and on top of that, the meal calls, and the Platoon and Company calls which I will have to compose myself.
On a side note, the D-Pillar publicity today went well. I actually was quite surprised by the positive response. Perhaps I do have a sense of humour after all.
Must get back to the books and languages and attempt to educate myself.
But the stuff I have to get ready by Friday is just mind-boggling. I have to, in 5 days, become a competent bugler able to play:
Reveille (Long)
Rouse
Sunset
Lights Out
Markers
Fall In
and on top of that, the meal calls, and the Platoon and Company calls which I will have to compose myself.
On a side note, the D-Pillar publicity today went well. I actually was quite surprised by the positive response. Perhaps I do have a sense of humour after all.
Must get back to the books and languages and attempt to educate myself.
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
In the thick of it.
Haha, I think I'm going to make it through these exams. 3 more subjects and its time to start those backup plans.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
The Last Charge
If there was ever a time where my fate precariously hung on the edge of a cliff at gunpoint, this is it.
Just this to clear. An A1 for all subjects will land me straight in the Diploma Programme. Failure to do so means certain disaster. And no, this is no joke. In fact, these exams might be as important as PSLE. And I wonder if I'd do as well for this as I did then...
These are the times where individual ability can only do so much...it's time, as always, to rely on God...
God save us all.
Just this to clear. An A1 for all subjects will land me straight in the Diploma Programme. Failure to do so means certain disaster. And no, this is no joke. In fact, these exams might be as important as PSLE. And I wonder if I'd do as well for this as I did then...
These are the times where individual ability can only do so much...it's time, as always, to rely on God...
God save us all.
Monday, 28 September 2009
Today was...
...Great.
MUAHAHA I finished typing the commentary before dinner. Usually I procrastinate and the essays take forever but I started this thing from scratch and it's just finished. Yay...:D
Chem revision next. Must keep up the tempo of advance...
MUAHAHA I finished typing the commentary before dinner. Usually I procrastinate and the essays take forever but I started this thing from scratch and it's just finished. Yay...:D
Chem revision next. Must keep up the tempo of advance...
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
The road thus far.
Heh, Norwegian is easier to learn than German, except you get to use it less often. But it's such a beautiful language! I think watching all the videos of guards on parade in different countries has introduced me to their ways, and fascinating cultures that never cease to amaze.
Revision. Oh darn, there's still some coursework left and I have to revise. Physics and Chem are more or less done, just one or two topics left to cover. CMT and AMT are almost done as well, just one or two more topics. Everything else needs a bit more work. 2 more weeks. This should end soon. Hopefully. I want to enjoy my holidays and not live in the memory of a really bad series of examinations.
Somehow, I think I'm becoming too open for my own good. Something about this new-found social aptitude seems surreal and alien. But the days where shutting up and fading into the background were the order of the day are all gone. Oh no I'm thinking too much again...
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
Revision. Oh darn, there's still some coursework left and I have to revise. Physics and Chem are more or less done, just one or two topics left to cover. CMT and AMT are almost done as well, just one or two more topics. Everything else needs a bit more work. 2 more weeks. This should end soon. Hopefully. I want to enjoy my holidays and not live in the memory of a really bad series of examinations.
Somehow, I think I'm becoming too open for my own good. Something about this new-found social aptitude seems surreal and alien. But the days where shutting up and fading into the background were the order of the day are all gone. Oh no I'm thinking too much again...
Eg er ein fattig ferdamann,
må mine vegar fara
herfrå og til mitt fedreland,
Gud, meg på vegen vara!
Monday, 14 September 2009
Back to normality
School's in again, a few more weeks and it will be the last exam of secondary school life before tertiary education at a certain school (ahem)
It's so invigorating to feel the drive of working my arse off everyday again, it makes you feel like you're actually doing something instead of sitting on your bum all day thinking about nothing in particular.
Today's work included a lot of paperwork. Hopefully this won't last very long, I have better and much more important things to do and settle.
It'll all be over very soon...
It's so invigorating to feel the drive of working my arse off everyday again, it makes you feel like you're actually doing something instead of sitting on your bum all day thinking about nothing in particular.
Today's work included a lot of paperwork. Hopefully this won't last very long, I have better and much more important things to do and settle.
It'll all be over very soon...
Thursday, 10 September 2009
All Systems Go for Cadet Lieutenant's Course (and free doses of screaming, shouting etc. etc. to boot)
And that's it, I have to wait 2-3 years before I can have the chance to participate in flying training, and the next chance will be in the harsher and more demanding environment of RAAF Pearce. Ah well, I guess I'll be a Cadet Subedar/Lieutenant, or whatever I'll call it from now on. Actually, I'm quite warming up to the idea already. One of the quirks of life in this modern day and age. At least I said yes to it of my own accord. I would be quite pissed if I was signed on by other parties, and not me. There's something fundamentally wrong with that, I guess. Back to mugging...
Wednesday, 26 August 2009
Sovereignty
What is sovereignty? Sometimes we use the term too often without stopping to think what it actually means. It refers to (quoting Ernest F. Row's How States Are Governed), supremacy. Such that the Sovereign is defined as "whatever authority is absolutely supreme in the State, so that from it there can be no appeal to any higher authority and no power anywhere to override its decisions."
So, God being our Sovereign, he cannot be questioned. He is above all things. Sometimes we think we can try and wriggle out of things but we cannot. But admittedly, it takes time to recognise this sovereignty, especially when circumstances of nature most foul assail us from all directions.
Currently I have problems which threaten personal freedoms and liberties. These basic, fundamental human rights seem to have departed me. I have no choice in the matter whatsoever. I cannot do anything to change anything. I cannot use diplomacy, lobby points, or any other tool of scaled-down foreign policy to get me in a favourable situation which gets me flying next year without other distractions. But perhaps being too good and reliable in UGs in Sec 1 to Sec 4 has proven to be my Achilles' heel, that I appear to be indispensible to the unit. It is not so. I have to go through all that and do nothing else and become a Cadet Subedar (I shall use this term Subedar instead of Lieutenant, its more secure and somehow appropriate. Go check yourself.) on paper, all for award points. It seems a rather unworthy cause, but I have no choice and this is my fate as for now.
Perhaps this is the fated trial for me to surrender all, and depend solely on God, who works for the good of those who love Him.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
-Henry F. Lyte
So, God being our Sovereign, he cannot be questioned. He is above all things. Sometimes we think we can try and wriggle out of things but we cannot. But admittedly, it takes time to recognise this sovereignty, especially when circumstances of nature most foul assail us from all directions.
Currently I have problems which threaten personal freedoms and liberties. These basic, fundamental human rights seem to have departed me. I have no choice in the matter whatsoever. I cannot do anything to change anything. I cannot use diplomacy, lobby points, or any other tool of scaled-down foreign policy to get me in a favourable situation which gets me flying next year without other distractions. But perhaps being too good and reliable in UGs in Sec 1 to Sec 4 has proven to be my Achilles' heel, that I appear to be indispensible to the unit. It is not so. I have to go through all that and do nothing else and become a Cadet Subedar (I shall use this term Subedar instead of Lieutenant, its more secure and somehow appropriate. Go check yourself.) on paper, all for award points. It seems a rather unworthy cause, but I have no choice and this is my fate as for now.
Perhaps this is the fated trial for me to surrender all, and depend solely on God, who works for the good of those who love Him.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me!
-Henry F. Lyte
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